Today I got to catch up with a friend I'd not seen for around 14 years.  Greg Dukeson, who used to co-host the breakfast show on Radio Wyvern in Worcester, invited me along to Phoenix98FM.

Covering Brentwood (Essex) and the surrounding area, the radio station is hardly local to Worcester, nor indeed the Midlands.  But all opportunities to broadcast my goal of raising £10,000 for Acorns are eagerly accepted - and the chance to meet an old friend was an extra incentive.

The interview was delivered live over several sessions throughout the morning.  Greg has kindly edited them together and sent them to me.  The link on the Phoenix 98 FM site can be seen here.

To listen directly to the interview, please use the bar below:

There is just one week to go now until I submerge my body into the Channel waters and strike out for France.

The Channel is infamous for having its own micro-climate, so it's still slightly early to start getting too excited or demoralised about the weather.  But it's also impossible to resist having a peek. 

Early indications look promising.  Whilst the various pilot boat captains are currently patiently waiting for Bertha to pass over, Monday 18th is not looking too bad at this point. Certainly the wind is in the right direction - if somewhat stronger than I'd really like.

It's rest week for me now.  All I can do is stay positive, remain patient, and stay focused.

I'm only good at two of those.

The image says it all.... 13 months of waiting, planning, researching, training and fundraising are almost at an end.

All that is really left now is the small question of swimming to France....

16 hours worth of swimming!

I'm delighted to say that with the help of 150 generous donations, I have now passed the 70% mark towards my goal of £10,000 raised in memory of our boy, Harry.  This money goes directly to Acorns, such that they can continue to provide other families with the support we once needed so desperately.

I was quietly confident that I could achieve 70% before getting into the Channel waters, but it is still a huge relief to see it up there on JustGiving.  And to the many individuals out there who have said they will still donate, please do not let this milestone put you off.... there is still the £10,000 mark to hit.

Thanks again to everyone!